Gressel Racing

Tri-State Speedway sold, new owners seek to grow with USRA

Since 1971, the Tri-State Speedway has been a towering presence in the Arkansas River Valley. Fittingly for the 2023 season finale honoring the track's first owner, Tillman Evans, the Tri-State Speedway will be in the process of transfer of ownership.

Jake and Kelsey Davis of D&D Properties will be taking over the facility from Michael and Jerri Hoover of Hoover Properties, Inc.

“Even though the track was not for sale, after many discussions with Jake Davis about the future of Tri-State Speedway’s success and infrastructure, it made more sense for someone like Jake to take it over,” Michael Hoover said. “Jake Davis wears so many hats in the construction business and has the same love and vision for Tri-State Speedway. Jake and Kelsey Davis are the perfect people to take Tri-State Speedway to the next level.”

The visions that the Hoovers had for the track remain the same, including a venue just off turn 1, a concert stage in the top pits and the Tri-State Speedway Hall of Fame.

The Davis's will be just the sixth owner of the track in its 52-year history.

“Every track owner and promoter has upgraded Tri-State Speedway and has added their own unique ideas,” Hoover said. “From races like The Spooker and The Kegger, Steel Horse Rally, Loud Pedal Amphitheater, fist-bumping kids down Victory Lane, infield pits and the 360 view right off Interstate 540.”

The track has an illustrious history and more recently has become a viral sensation for it’s “Black Ice” surface. Aside from the consistent surface, the move to fully-sanctioned Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series classes has provided a much-needed stability for racers and brought several former racers back to the track.

“We are looking forward to continuing to build off the of the foundation the Hoovers have laid,” Jake Davis said. “We will continue with the existing schedule for this year and are working on events for next year already, We plan to stay USRA sanctioned and look forward to working with other tracks to grow USRA racing in our region.”

“I can tell you first hand how amazing that feeling is the first day you own something of that magnitude and history. I can’t imagine what’s going through Jake’s mind since he grew up at Tri-State when his father Sonny Davis owned and operated the facility.” Michael Hoover added, “We are excited to see what Jake and Kelsey have planned for TSS.”

Summit USRA Nationals nears: The 10th Annual Summit USRA Nationals powered by Chevrolet Performance returns to the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" on October 2-7. This year's event will feature USRA Modifieds, Medieval USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and USRA Tuners.

Racers are encouraged to register online now at myracepass.com/usranationals or you can download the entry form here and then mail or fax your completed form. You can also call the USRA office at (515) 832-6000 to sign up.

Fans can purchase tickets online here.

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